Think bright…Think lights, is the message from police
this autumn in Bournemouth town centre, Westbourne and West
Cliff, as they continue with their cycle safety
initiative.
With darker
nights setting in cyclists become more vulnerable, by not fitting
lights to their bikes.
Under the 'Think bright…Think lights'
initiative, cyclists who are seen riding without lights after dark
will be stopped by police and issued with a Cycle Defect form and a
ticket ordering them to pay a £30 fine.
The cyclist will then have seven days to
present themselves with proof of purchase for a new set of lights,
the Cycle Defect form and the ticket, to any Dorset police
station.
The ticket will then be revoked.
If, however, a cyclist fails to comply, after
seven days they will be fined which could lead to a court
appearance.
Leaflets with information about the initiative
will be handed out to members of the public by the Bournemouth
Central, and Westbourne and West Cliff Safer Neighbourhood Teams
and posters will be given to local cycle shops to display.
Police Constable Steve Lemon, of the
Westbourne and West Cliff Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “My
colleagues and residents repeatedly report that cyclists are
riding without lights after dark.
“The purpose of this initiative is to work
with the cyclists to reduce the risk of injury due to not being
seen by other road users, and to educate them about the dangers of
riding at night or in poor visibility without lights.
“With the onset of winter it is very important
that cyclists are seen, this includes wearing bright clothing and
the use of a safety helmet.”
Between September 2008 and January 2009, 96
people were issued with Cycle Defect forms, leading to 68 cyclists
equipping their bikes with lights.
Action was taken against 28 cyclists who did
not purchase new lights within the required seven-day period.
To find out more about your local
Safer Neighbourhood Team call Dorset Police on 01202 222222 or
01305 222222, or visit our Local Policing pages on this website by
follwoing this link >